Beginner questions and ski advice (Asnes Sondre)
Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:38 pm
Hello! I would like to start backcountry skiing this winter and I could use some advice on appropriate gear.
Background info:
I've been cross country skiing recreationally since childhood in both groomed resorts and local natural areas. I have the basic skills to snowplow down hills and get from A to B on clear trails but my form could be more refined. I've never waxed skis but I'm willing to learn, and I have free access to all the necessary equipment if need be. I'm 5'4'' and 120 lbs without equipment and physically in pretty good shape. Snow conditions will be typical Northern New England/Quebec.
I'm looking for a set up that will be fun to use on nearby ungroomed trails while I further develop my skiing abilities. I think easier sections of the Catamount trail are doable for me already so I'm planning on trying that out. Ability to ski on groomed areas is a bonus but not a must. I want to practice making downhill/tele turns but I don't want xcD equipment since I'll just be falling down hills at the golf course for a while. I just want it to be suitable for practice and have more ability to turn than a standard XC touring ski.
I have very generously been given a pair of Lundhags Guide BC boots (overkill for my current abilities as a skier but I'll also be using them for skating), so I'm committed to NNN BC bindings. On Ebay I found a pair of new Asnes Sondre skis for $50 shipped, priced low because the waxless pattern could have irregularities and waxing may be required. The skis are 185 cm. According to Asnes, I am very slightly under the low end of their recommended height and weight, listed as equivalent to 5'5'' and 121 lbs. Will this be a problem, and are there any technique adjustments I'd have to make? And other than that could this be an appropriate ski for my use case? Or would I be better off paying full retail for a different ski elsewhere? The season is about to start, and I haven't had luck finding secondhand equipment this fall.
I'm also not sure what my criteria should be for poles and whether or not I should get skins.
If you've read all this, thank you! And I look forward to hearing your thoughts :)
Background info:
I've been cross country skiing recreationally since childhood in both groomed resorts and local natural areas. I have the basic skills to snowplow down hills and get from A to B on clear trails but my form could be more refined. I've never waxed skis but I'm willing to learn, and I have free access to all the necessary equipment if need be. I'm 5'4'' and 120 lbs without equipment and physically in pretty good shape. Snow conditions will be typical Northern New England/Quebec.
I'm looking for a set up that will be fun to use on nearby ungroomed trails while I further develop my skiing abilities. I think easier sections of the Catamount trail are doable for me already so I'm planning on trying that out. Ability to ski on groomed areas is a bonus but not a must. I want to practice making downhill/tele turns but I don't want xcD equipment since I'll just be falling down hills at the golf course for a while. I just want it to be suitable for practice and have more ability to turn than a standard XC touring ski.
I have very generously been given a pair of Lundhags Guide BC boots (overkill for my current abilities as a skier but I'll also be using them for skating), so I'm committed to NNN BC bindings. On Ebay I found a pair of new Asnes Sondre skis for $50 shipped, priced low because the waxless pattern could have irregularities and waxing may be required. The skis are 185 cm. According to Asnes, I am very slightly under the low end of their recommended height and weight, listed as equivalent to 5'5'' and 121 lbs. Will this be a problem, and are there any technique adjustments I'd have to make? And other than that could this be an appropriate ski for my use case? Or would I be better off paying full retail for a different ski elsewhere? The season is about to start, and I haven't had luck finding secondhand equipment this fall.
I'm also not sure what my criteria should be for poles and whether or not I should get skins.
If you've read all this, thank you! And I look forward to hearing your thoughts :)